Sunday, February 26, 2017

Engel Condemns Shooting Death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla

Congressman Eliot L. Engel issued the following statement on the shooting earlier this week in Kansas that resulted in the death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, an Indian immigrant:

“I am deeply saddened and troubled by the shooting of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, Alok Madasani, and Ian Grillot in Olathe, Kansas earlier this week. The assailant targeted two of the victims because they were immigrants, and this act of hate resulted in the tragic death of Mr. Kuchibhotla. I want to convey my condolences to the Kuchibhotla family.

“These acts of violence are deeply disturbing, and they are an obvious assault on America’s diversity and foundational values. I fear this shooting was a direct result of the climate of fear and xenophobia that has grown over the past few months.

“Sadly, our new administration has not spoken out against the rising tide of bigotry against Muslims, or against immigrants, and the manner in which the Administration rolled out it’s unconstitutional Muslim Ban has only furthered this trend.

“Such violence cannot be excused or swept under the rug. Whether it’s anti-Semitic, anti-Immigrant, or anti-Muslim violence—or threats made against JCC’s or any other organization—we must, all of us, condemn such forms of hate. I will continue to condemn these hateful acts in the strongest possible terms and use my platform to reassure all that immigrants are welcome here.”